Satchel or school backpack, how to choose?

The choice of a school bag should be based on more than just fashion and brand name. Of course, it is entirely possible to find a school backpack that perfectly meets the desires of your teenage child. But the orthopedic health of your child should be your main concern.

With so many choices of colors, styles, and prints, it's difficult to know which school bag is the best. In this article, we will try to answer the question: messenger bag or school backpack?

We will then see the right questions to ask before making a decision.

School backpack or messenger bag: which type of school bag is the safest?

The most ergonomic choice is a backpack with padded straps of appropriate size for the student. However, if your child really wants a messenger bag for school, look for one with a well-padded and adjustable strap so that it can fit perfectly across his chest.

A key factor with either bag is the fit. Avoid an oversized bag that is not wider than the child's torso; not only does this help ensure the right fit, but your child will not be able to overload it with books, sports equipment, etc.

Regardless of the type of school bag chosen by the student, it is essential to keep the weight appropriate for their body type. It is really important to ensure that the weight of the bag does not exceed 10% of the child's weight.

School backpack or messenger bag for younger children

Younger children and preteens should probably stick to conventional backpacks, as they tend to be the most ergonomic for smaller children who should not carry too much weight to begin with.

If your child simply cannot live without a messenger bag, make sure it is worn properly and that its weight remains moderate. Simple ways to organize your child's backpack will help lighten the load.

What about wheeled bags?

Wheeled backpacks are practical because they prevent the child from carrying the weight of their bag all day long. However, this option is rather reserved for elementary school children. It is indeed rare for this type of school bag to be aesthetically suitable for middle and high school students.

What about certain health conditions?

The type of bag you choose is even more important if your child suffers from a spinal orthopedic condition, such as scoliosis or chronic back pain.

If your child is in this situation, it is necessary to favor an ergonomic and lightweight school backpack.

School backpack vs. messenger bag: which one to choose?

Both types of school bags have their advantages and disadvantages. What will essentially tip the balance is the age of the child who will carry the bag.

For elementary school children and early middle school, a quality backpack is more suitable. It allows for better weight distribution and is more adapted to the morphology of young children.

A Eastpak messenger bag will therefore be more appropriate for a high school student or a college student.

The key is to ensure that the bag chosen by your child fits well and that the load is kept to a reasonable amount.

Questions to ask when choosing between a messenger bag and a backpack

Do I need to carry a lot of things?

Most messenger bags are spacious, so they can hold as much as a backpack. However, if you regularly carry several heavy textbooks, you may prefer the way a backpack distributes the weight on your back. Backpacks often have more interior compartments to organize all your belongings.

Do I need quick access to my belongings?

Because your messenger bag hangs at your side, it's easy to access a ringing cell phone or a pen to take notes. With a backpack, zippers and flaps are behind you, making it more difficult to quickly access your belongings, although some have pockets on the straps to keep small items, like a cell phone or a few pens, on your chest.

Am I going to school by bike?

Many cyclists prefer the weight distribution of a backpack, but some report that it makes them sweat on the back. You can look for one designed with a fabric that offers excellent air circulation; check the product description if this concerns you.

While many people carry messenger bags suspended from one shoulder, these bags were created for bike messengers, who wear them across the body and tighten the straps enough so that the weight is not uneven as they ride. If you don't mind tightening the strap well, you can wear it on a bike.

What is my style?

Backpacks and messenger bags are available in many materials and colors, so you can find one that matches your tastes. Overall, however, backpacks have a sporty look, while messenger bags tend to be more formal. The bag you choose will be an accessory to all your outfits, so think about what will go well with your wardrobe.

What kind of comfort do I need?

If you carry a heavy backpack for many hours a day - walking to and from school - look for one with padded straps. Some backpacks have an additional chest strap for heavier loads. Many messenger bags have a sliding shoulder strap; this is often enough for all loads except the heaviest.